That must have been quite an experience that first night! We also do not help the foals up or to find how to get milk - they do that all by themselves. It takes a little longer than WE would like, that's for sure. I always watched from another corner of the barn and it was so hard not to interfere! We definitely touch them or allow them to sniff us so we are familiar to them, but we keep the human interaction to a minimum for at least a couple of weeks. We don't even allow other mares with foals to be turned out together as the mares sometimes will nip at foals that are not theirs. It was usually at about 4 weeks old that I started turning out mares and foals together and that was after allowing them to be out at the same time with a paddock fence between them for a day or two.

Everyone has a different way of doing things. It won't be long before he will be stretching those long legs and tearing around like mad. I always was amazed at how they never got all those legs tangled up!

There are many different ways of training and this sounds like they are "imprinting" the foal. Some of his very first memories will be with him the longest...makes sense, actually. I am not judging either way. I always did a little of both. It Is very important for baby and Mum to bond but it doesn't hurt to play with the little one soon...also can depend on the Mum. One of my mares who really taught me so much made sure I didn't intervene with the filly until she was on her feet. She then had to find the milk bar on her own. After that Mum didn't mind how much I interacted with her baby and the baby knew and loved both me and her Mum. She never really knew she was a horse...always thought she was a big, red dog... Those were some good times. Thanks again Winfrey.

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LotusLife is like a hot bath. It feels good while you’re in it, but the longer you stay in, the more wrinkled you get.

I agree there is no one right way and everyone has their own way of doing things. The one time I had to interfere was when one of my mares rejected the foal. It's very rare, but it does happen. I was totally hands on when I had to force the mare to nurse the filly for 48 hours for the colostrum. Then I became "mom!" It isn't something I would ever care to do again, but it sure was interesting!

And I agree ,there are lots of ways to do it - I think i was somewhere in the middle ,but of course ,like Lotus says ,it depends on the mom - some like to show the foals off , and some are a little more protective.

It was always interesting to watch a couple of moms and foals all together,as the moms took turns "baby sitting" while one napped - funny to see.

Yes Lotus777, we were doing what they call foal imprinting. His mom is very good with it. But he does spend most of his Time with her alone in the other barn where they have an inside arena, he is so cute.. he follows mom around like glue! Becky walked him out to the outside arena and they put holters on three of the others and walked them up to the arena fence. Boy were they interested! The male Able was extremely interested. After the foal left the arena we put the horses in....Able went racing to the other side...bucking... almost thought he was going to jump the fence.......this sure has been one FANTASTIC experience!!!!

Edited by Winfrey (03/07/1308:25 AM)

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Would that I could be the peacemaker in your soul that I might turn the discord and the rivalry of your elements into oneness and melody Gibran

And it never gets old, Winfrey! One spring I had 4 foals - I was exhausted! But hubby and I would take a couple of lawn chairs out to the pasture fence in the evenings and just watch them tear around and play. Better than any TV. It will be so fun to watch him when he's turned out with mom alone and starts to explore away from her side. I remember one little guy checking out a bee on a piece of clover. When it flew up, he tore back to mom's side for safety!

Like synchronized bird flight!!! I was always amazed at how they learned this so fast. That same mare I mentioned retained a placenta when she foaled once and it took a few days and lots of drugs to make it come out. She definitely didn't feel well and I will never forget her lying on her side to rest and lifting her hind leg so baby could nurse. So incredible. I swear she used to speak to me in my head. I called it her dark, brown voice. Maye that was how baby learned??? Now you will think I am seriously wacko, lol!!!

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LotusLife is like a hot bath. It feels good while you’re in it, but the longer you stay in, the more wrinkled you get.